Course Level:Undergraduate
Next Start Date: October 2023
Duration: 3 Years
Campus Location: Bedford Campus
Attendance: Full-time | Part-time day
UCAS Code:C670

About the course


The rapid growth of the football sector has created many opportunities to become a sports professional in an expanding, borderless industry. This course prepares you to work as a skilled coach across a range of football-related settings.

On the course, you learn a range of coaching skills enabling you to deliver and plan training sessions relevant to team/player standard. You also learn to evaluate the performance of a player, team or match and have a range of strategies for their development. You can put your learning into practice in football-related scenarios and realistic simulations.

The course offers a broad overview of sport and the football industry in the first year before focusing on coaching, when it covers areas such as performance analysis (player and match); coaching alternative populations; performance coaching; player potential and development; and psychology for football.

You also have the opportunity to gain recognised awards such as FA Coaching Level 1 and 2.

Why choose this course?

  • Enjoy the flexibility to choose your preferred pathway (business, coaching or studies), giving you a unique chance to specialise after your first year
  • Benefit from work experience placements with our official partners, Luton Town FC, and other local football organisations
  • Take up coaching opportunities at local schools
  • Be taught by top-class professionals within the field, working with governing bodies such as the FA, UEFA and FIFA as well as experts from professional football teams
  • Become an independent, critical learner with the skills and knowledge to review current and future trends within the game as well as develop the professional values associated with high-quality coaching and player support
  • Take the course over four years and include a fee-free year in industry (see below), gaining experience, building your CV and making contacts for the future
  • If you need to step up into higher education, start with a Foundation Year (see below) which guarantees a place on the degree course

Course Leader - Simon Robinson

Before coming into lecturing, I worked as a Football Development Officer, Director of Sport and Recreation, Regional Training Unit Coordinator and as a Football Coach.

I enjoy playing and watching football and am a keen supporter of Barnsley Football Club. I also like to play golf, go skiing and I have ran the London Marathon raising money for Diabetes UK.

 
Find out more about Simon Robinson
The campus where this course is taught

A Degree with a Foundation Year gives you guaranteed entry to an Undergraduate course.

Whether you’re returning to learning and require additional help and support to up-skill, or if you didn’t quite meet the grades to pursue an Undergraduate course, our Degrees with Foundation Year provide a fantastic entry route for you to work towards a degree level qualification.

With our guidance and support you’ll get up to speed within one year, and will be ready to seamlessly progress on to undergraduate study at Bedfordshire.

The Foundation Year provides an opportunity to build up your academic writing skills and numeracy, and will also cover a range of subject specific content to fully prepare you for entry to an Undergraduate degree.

This is an integrated four-year degree, with the foundation year as a key part of the course. You will need to successfully complete the Foundation Year to progress on to the first year of your bachelor’s degree.

Why study a degree with a Foundation Year?

  • Broad-based yet enough depth to give you credible vocational skills
  • Coverage of a variety of areas typically delivered by an expert in this area
  • Gain an understanding of a subject before choosing which route you wish to specialise in
  • Great introduction to further study, and guaranteed progression on to one of our Undergraduate degrees

The degrees offering a Foundation Year provide excellent preparation for your future studies.

During your Foundation Year you will get the opportunity to talk to tutors about your degree study and future career aspirations, and receive guidance on the most appropriate Undergraduate course to help you achieve this; providing you meet the entry requirements and pass the Foundation Year.

 


This course has the option to be taken over four years which includes a year placement in industry. Undertaking a year in industry has many benefits. You gain practical experience and build your CV, as well as being a great opportunity to sample a profession and network with potential future employers.

There is no tuition fee for the placement year enabling you to gain an extra year of experience for free.

*Only available to UK/EU students.


Units

  • Academic Writing Skills (SPO048-1) Compulsory
  • Foundations For Football Coaching (SPO060-1) Compulsory
  • Introduction To Football Studies (SPO085-1) Compulsory
  • Introduction To Research Methods (SPO052-1) Compulsory
  • Sport In Action: Management (SPO087-1) Compulsory
  • Sport, Physical Activity And Life Story (SPO088-1) Compulsory
  • The Football Industry (SPO083-1) Compulsory
  • Working In Sport (SPO047-1) Compulsory
  • Applied Football Coaching (SPO093-2) Compulsory
  • Dissertation Preparation (SPO095-2) Compulsory
  • Football Development (SPO096-2) Compulsory
  • Football Governance (SPO102-2) Compulsory
  • Football In The Community (SPO097-2) Compulsory
  • Performance Analysis (Player And Match) (SPO035-2) Compulsory
  • Research Methods For Sport, Exercise And Physical Activity (SPO099-2) Compulsory
  • Social Psychology Of Sport (SPO026-2) Compulsory
  • Advanced Coaching For Football (SPO086-3) Compulsory
  • Coaching Alternative Populations (SPO087-3) Compulsory
  • Dissertation For Sport And Physical Activity (SPO042-3) Compulsory
  • Performance Analysis For Football (SPO090-3) Compulsory
  • Performance Coaching (SPO058-3) Compulsory
  • Player Potential And Development (SPO091-3) Compulsory
  • Psychology For Football (SPO092-3) Compulsory
  • Work Placement Project (SPO057-3) Compulsory

You will be required to undertake a variety of assessment that vary depending upon the learning outcomes of the unit delivered. The range of assessment styles includes: written reports and essays, oral presentations, e-portfolios, phase tests, collaborative projects. In addition, you will undertake practical assessments related to the design, planning and delivery aspects relevant to a wide variety of football coaching projects providing opportunity to develop and demonstrate critical analysis, problem solving, communication styles needed in coaching. Assessment of these activities will be based on tasks which develop vocational skills, underpinned by subject knowledge, requiring higher levels of cognition in the upper levels of the course. As you progress through the levels of study the marking criteria for all assessment styles undertaken will be that much more rigorous, with the expectation you progressively demonstrate a more theory driven understanding of football coaching issues and practices. The workshop approach of the teaching and learning strategy enables formative assessment to be ongoing. Units combines formal -summative' (e.g. individual and group-based assignments) and informal -formative' (e.g. reflective tasks) modes of assessment, drawing also upon peer review and peer support techniques, staggered periodically throughout the units so as to emphasise and support incremental individual student learning as process.

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Our students say our courses, teaching and support are a winning combination, that’s why we are 54th out of 122 for Sport in the Guardian University Guide 2023.

We’re 4th for employability in the Guardian League Table 2023 because our courses get you a degree-level job.

Sports Science ranked 5th for Graduate Prospects in the 2023 Times / Good University Guide league table.

Entry Requirements

We will consider you as an individual and take into account all elements of your application, not just your qualifications. We are looking for breadth and depth in your current studies and enthusiasm for the subject you wish to study.

UCAS Tariff Points

  • At least 96 points with 80 points from at least 2 A level passes
  • At least 96 points with Merit Merit Merit in BTEC Extended Diploma or Distinction Distinction in the BTEC Diploma
  • A completed Access to Higher Education Diploma
  • Equivalent qualifications such as Irish Leaving Certificate, OCR Nationals, International Baccalaureate and CACHE Level 3 awards.

You can work out how many UCAS points your qualifications are worth with the UCAS tariff calculator

Contact the Admissions Team for additional guidance on whether the qualifications you currently hold or are taking would be suitable for entry.

T: +44 (0)1582 743500
E: admission@beds.ac.uk

The University of Bedfordshire warmly welcomes students from all over the world.

To ensure a smooth application process, we have dedicated pages with detailed information about country-specific requirements. You can find information on our generic entry requirements too, if your county is not listed.

International Foundation Year

For those who do not have a qualification that allows for direct entry to an undergraduate degree, we offer our own International Foundation Year program to enhance your English language and study skills and help you bridge any knowledge gaps before starting your degree. The program is taught on our campus by University of Bedfordshire staff and offers pathways into nearly all of our undergraduate degrees.

English Language

The English Language requirement for this course is 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 in any subtest) in IELTS, or an equivalent SELT. Have a look at our webpage for a list of English language qualifications we accept. If you do not have the required level of English for your chosen degree, we offer pre-sessional courses to enhance your language skills before commencing your studies.

We are committed to supporting you every step of the way, so please do not hesitate to reach out to our international admissions team for further assistance. We look forward to welcoming you to our vibrant academic community.

Clicking this card will take you to https://www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator

Entry Requirements


We will consider you as an individual and take into account all elements of your application, not just your qualifications. We are looking for breadth and depth in your current studies and enthusiasm for the subject you wish to study.

UCAS Tariff Points

  • At least 96 points with 80 points from at least 2 A level passes
  • At least 96 points with Merit Merit Merit in BTEC Extended Diploma or Distinction Distinction in the BTEC Diploma
  • A completed Access to Higher Education Diploma
  • Equivalent qualifications such as Irish Leaving Certificate, OCR Nationals, International Baccalaureate and CACHE Level 3 awards.

You can work out how many UCAS points your qualifications are worth with the UCAS tariff calculator

Contact the Admissions Team for additional guidance on whether the qualifications you currently hold or are taking would be suitable for entry.

T: +44 (0)1582 743500
E: admission@beds.ac.uk


The University of Bedfordshire warmly welcomes students from all over the world.

To ensure a smooth application process, we have dedicated pages with detailed information about country-specific requirements. You can find information on our generic entry requirements too, if your county is not listed.

International Foundation Year

For those who do not have a qualification that allows for direct entry to an undergraduate degree, we offer our own International Foundation Year program to enhance your English language and study skills and help you bridge any knowledge gaps before starting your degree. The program is taught on our campus by University of Bedfordshire staff and offers pathways into nearly all of our undergraduate degrees.

English Language

The English Language requirement for this course is 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 in any subtest) in IELTS, or an equivalent SELT. Have a look at our webpage for a list of English language qualifications we accept. If you do not have the required level of English for your chosen degree, we offer pre-sessional courses to enhance your language skills before commencing your studies.

We are committed to supporting you every step of the way, so please do not hesitate to reach out to our international admissions team for further assistance. We look forward to welcoming you to our vibrant academic community.

How will this course improve my career prospects?

Career paths for graduates of this course include football and sport development; football and sport coaching; and specialised posts in the leisure, sport and recreation industries, including going on to pursue careers with companies like FIFA.

Fees and Funding

The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2022/23 is £9,250 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs.

See www.gov.uk/student-finance

The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.

See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships

Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk

The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2022/23 is £13,500 per year. A prompt payment discount is available if you pay the full Year 1 fee before or at registration. There are also special scholarships available.

See www.beds.ac.uk/intfees

Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk

The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2023/24 is £9,250 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs.

See www.gov.uk/student-finance

The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.

See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships

Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk

The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2023/24 is £14,500 per year. A prompt payment discount is available if you pay the full Year 1 fee before or at registration. There are also special scholarships available.

See www.beds.ac.uk/intfees

Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk

Fees and Funding


The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2022/23 is £9,250 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs.

See www.gov.uk/student-finance

The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.

See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships

Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk


The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2022/23 is £13,500 per year. A prompt payment discount is available if you pay the full Year 1 fee before or at registration. There are also special scholarships available.

See www.beds.ac.uk/intfees

Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk


The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2023/24 is £9,250 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs.

See www.gov.uk/student-finance

The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.

See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships

Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk


The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2023/24 is £14,500 per year. A prompt payment discount is available if you pay the full Year 1 fee before or at registration. There are also special scholarships available.

See www.beds.ac.uk/intfees

Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk

Extra Costs

Find out more about additional costs while studying at Bedfordshire. Click here.
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How to Apply

Application for most full-time undergraduate and foundation courses is via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

We expect to receive UCAS applications between 1 September and 15 January for courses starting in the following academic year, but may consider applications received after this date should places be available.

Please contact admission@beds.ac.uk for further details.

All UK schools and colleges are registered with UCAS to manage their students' applications. Advice on how to submit your UCAS application is available from your school or college.

If you are not at school or college (including mature students) you should apply independently via UCAS

EU students applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply via UCAS or direct using our admissions form

International students applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form or via our representatives in your home country

You can also apply online

Find out more about how to apply as an International student

How to Apply


Application for most full-time undergraduate and foundation courses is via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

We expect to receive UCAS applications between 1 September and 15 January for courses starting in the following academic year, but may consider applications received after this date should places be available.

Please contact admission@beds.ac.uk for further details.

All UK schools and colleges are registered with UCAS to manage their students' applications. Advice on how to submit your UCAS application is available from your school or college.

If you are not at school or college (including mature students) you should apply independently via UCAS


EU students applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply via UCAS or direct using our admissions form


International students applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form or via our representatives in your home country

You can also apply online

Find out more about how to apply as an International student